Essien Rejects Chelsea

Midfielder Michael Essien has rejected a possible move to English champions Chelsea for an extended stay with French champions Lyon.

"I have had some contacts, but we have never discussed anything with any club," Essien's agent Fabian Piveteau told SkySports.

"We know Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have an interest in Michael, but we are not in talks.

"We have never discussed anything with them and at the moment we are in talks with Lyon.

"Lyon want Michael to sign a new contract and we are talking about that now. "There is no hurry as I have a gentlemen's agreement with the Lyon chairman that will allow Michael to leave in one year no matter what."

Essien, chased by Everton and Liverpool last year before he signed for Lyon from Bastia, also interests clubs from Spain and Italy.